Member Bios

Adams

Emma PotvinSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because I think that it's really easy (in college especially) for people's mental health issues to be pushed aside or go unnoticed, and I don't want people to suffer alone. I am passionate about SMHL's mission to destigmatize mental illnesses and provide education about resources on campus.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I play violin in the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra and am a news writer for the Crimson. I'm also a member of the Women in Computer Science Advocacy Council and social chair for HAPA (Half Asian People's Association).

One fun fact about yourself? I could talk about sushi for hours.

Alexis RossSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL at the end of my freshman year. At that point in time, I was having a really difficult time transitioning to college and most of the people I was close to at Harvard were all struggling with mental health in some way. Through this experience, I discovered a new passion for mental health education and awareness. I felt like the conversations that SMHL facilitates are important not just for youth generally, but specifically in a Harvard context and got excited to apply!

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I am involved in the International Relations Council, both staffing Harvard Model United Nations and competing on the Intercollegiate Model United Nations team. I am also involved with WHRB and the Harvard College Law Review.

One fun fact about yourself? I am a Canadian and Australian citizen!

Carmella VerrastroSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? I love SMHL because we help to break the stigma around mental health here on campus, and that way people feel more comfortable reaching out when they need to.

One fun fact about yourself? Over holiday breaks, I watch 2-4 movies every day, so the summer before college I watched over 100 movies and a few TV shows.

Owen OjoSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL?I joined spring semester of my sophomore year because I think destigmatizing mental illness, raising mental health awareness, and promoting self-care are very important and SMHL works to do all of those things.

I write for the Advocate.

One fun fact about yourself? I'm not fun enough for this.

Niki ReddySMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL during my sophomore fall, and this is my first semester as a member! I joined SMHL because I want to raise awareness of mental health and help to destigmatize mental illness, especially in cultural communities on campus.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Aside from SMHL, I'm involved in International Relations on Campus (IRoC), mentoring with Strong Women Strong Girls (SWSG), and the Harvard College Dems.

One fun fact about yourself? My middle name has 5 a's in it.

Currier

Sarah AlamSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL?This is my first year with SMHL and I am excited to work alongside an awesome group of people to push towards destigmatizing mental health on campus and promote open and honest dialogues. While growing up, mental health was never discussed, which made it very hard for close friends to reach out for help when struggling. I want to help create a supportive environment on campus that emphasizes reaching out and empowering people to seek help. No one should ever feel like they are alone.

One fun fact about yourself? Puns are my one of my favorite forms of humor!

Amira SongSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL my freshman spring. Mental health is something I'm extremely passionate about, and I believe that no one should feel alone and powerless no matter what they are dealing with. I want to help erase the stigma surrounding mental health, spread awareness of Harvard's on-campus resources, and let my peers know that it's okay to not be okay.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I'm part of the TEDxHarvardCollege board, teach English through PBHA Chinatown ESL, dance with AADT and Harvard Breakers, and work part-time at the Harvard Shop!

One fun fact about yourself? I played in the same Go tournament as the current #1-ranked player in the world!

Katherine Venturo-ConerlySMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL?I joined SMHL in the fall of 2016. I believe that peer-education about mental health resources and the signs/symptoms of mental distress empowers students to become better advocates for themselves and their friends. It is quite important to me that students feel supported here at Harvard by friends, tutors, and clinicians, and that they feel comfortable accessing the personal and institutional resources which will be most valuable.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I'm involved in mental health research both on and off campus, and have in the past worked at mental health focused non-profits. Additionally, I work as a peer counselor and serve as the vice president of Harvard College Mental Health Research Group. Finally, I'm beginning to get involved with the Global Mental Health scene on campus.

One fun fact about yourself? My favorite number is 16 because it is BOTH 4^2 and 2^4!

Dudley

Isabella KwasnikSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? Like many Harvard students, I experienced difficulty adjusting to college. This took a toll on my mental health, so I am really passionate about advocating for Harvard's various resources that helped put me back on track towards health and happiness! Students should know that it IS possible to be successful in college and take care of yourself :)

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Performing! I love musical theatre and anything to do with singing. Offstage, I volunteer with CityStep- a service program that teaches dance to youth in Cambridge- and love biking and gymnastics.

One fun fact about yourself? One of my life goals is to travel the world in search of the perfect pizza.

Dunster

Kyle McFaddenSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL not until my senior year. While I knew of and supported the work the organization does across campus before this, I hadn’t truly struggled with my own mental health until my junior year. Once I took the time to take care of myself I decided it was important to contribute my time and energy to educating my peers on campus about taking care of their own mental health.

One fun fact about yourself? My family homesteaded in North Dakota in the 1880s and we still farm the same land today.

Liam PowerSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because I wanted to be an advocate for mental health awareness. I have had people in my life suffer from mental health challenges, and I know how daunting to seek resources on your own. I want to help in any way I can.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I volunteer with PBHA's Hoops program and Pets as Therapy. I'm also a tutor in the economics department and worker in the Dunster Grille (best Grille on campus).

One fun fact about yourself? I am currently in the process of getting a passport for a third country.

Saul (SJ) Urbina-JohansonSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? At a place as large as Harvard, it is easy to get lost and feel small. I joined SMHL to help those are struggling find their way to support, to promote campus discourse around mental health, and to contribute to the larger endeavor of destigmatizing mental illness.

One fun fact about yourself? I once rode a giant corgi in a (really good) dream.

Eliot

ChangySMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I think a lot of people go through their busy busy lives thinking that their stress is trivial compared to everyone else's - especially here - where we like to competitively suffer. But if it's been bothering you, it matters. We all have different thresholds, which make us lovely and unique, and I hope to be able to spread that message and love on campus here.

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL during my freshman year. I am passionate about destigmatizing mental illness and spreading love and positivity to everyone at Harvard. I view SMHL as one of the most inclusive and empowering organizations on campus because it encourages transparency, access, and education surrounding mental health.

Kirkland

Ariel KimSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL in the spring of 2017 because I can't think of anything more important than taking care of yourself, especially when it's so easy to forget to do so. SMHL's mission embodies my own beliefs and hopes for the mental health environment of campus, and I'm pants at articulating just how vital peer education and peer counseling groups are, but essentially, IT IS SO VITAL :) I went to boarding school for high school, which was a similar collision of experiences, and successfully caring for yourself and others often slipped through the cracks. Both my best friend and I struggled with mental health, and if we had known about the resources that were available to us, if we had know where to turn or what to do, I think we could have saved ourselves a lot of heartbreak, could have been more proactive instead of reactive. And so I want to be here as a resource for others, to create spaces to which people feel like they can turn, to offer a hand or an ear or a shoulder or a pair of legs to walk with them, because no one should be walking alone.

One fun fact about yourself? My spirit animal is Piglet from Winnie-the-Pooh :)

Leverett

Steph FerrarieSMHL Member Since 2015

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because when I came to campus, mental illness was not a foreign concept to me and my family. After my own experiences, I didn't want anyone at Harvard who was unfamiliar with mental illness or the mental health care system to slip through the cracks with respects to getting the help that they need, and destigmatizing mental illness is a necessary means to the end goal that SMHL strives to fulfill.

Some extra curriculars you're involved with? In addition to SMHL, I'm involved in the Harvard-Radcliffe Drama Club as a Producer and Alpha Phi.

One fun fact about yourself? I like dogs.

Dani KrzyszczykSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL my sophomore year because I noticed that mental health conversations on campus were scarce. Being in a position to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves is something I wanted to be apart of. Joining SMHL has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had since being at Harvard.

One fun fact about yourself? There is a place on mars named after my hometown.

Lowell

Hayoung AhnSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL last year as a freshman, because I wanted to get involved in a community that valued mental health and general wellbeing among students, especially at a high-achieving school like Harvard. I really wanted to explore how student representatives can make an impact on their peers in subtle but meaningful ways. Since mental health is something that I felt wasn't really talked about in high school, I made it a point to be proactive about reaching out and learning how I can do more.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Aside from SMHL, I am the Associate Photo Editor for Harvard Yearbook Publications and a magazine writer for The Crimson. I also manage Public Relations and Multimedia for Harvard College in Asia Program (HCAP), and Marketing for TEDxHarvardCollege.

One fun fact about yourself?I could spend hours sifting through notebooks, pens, stickers, and craft items in stationery stores—one of my favorite hobbies is journaling and making videos related to what I write about!

Marlíse ArellanoSMHL Member Since 2015

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because of the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help that I noticed prior coming to Harvard. I am passionate about health education and I wanted to help teach the community about resources here on campus and change the dialogue surrounding mental health.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Besides SMHL, I work in a stem cell lab focusing on Alzheimer's disease and neuropsychiatric disorders.

One fun fact about yourself?I love to collect journals and fancy pens!

Kaitlyn LeeSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL in the spring of my freshman year because I wanted to help create a compassionate campus environment where people feel comfortable discussing mental health issues and resources. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful support network back home who helped me learn about mental health resources and feel good about using them. I want to be a part of that support network for others here on campus.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? In addition to SMHL, I am one of the organizers of HackHarvard and help conduct research at the Center for Astrophysics.

One fun fact about yourself?I ordered myself a ukulele in high school on a whim and have loved the instrument ever since!

Mather

Jeffrey HeSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL to help break the stigma around mental health on campus!

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I'm a Teaching Fellow for CS50, do research with the Center for Research on Computation and Society, play/watch basketball, and play volleyball!

One fun fact about yourself? I run a Youtube channel.

Sofia KennedySMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL to advocate for mental wellness across campus and help students realize they don't have to struggle alone.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Mather HoCo, Science Club for Girls, and undergraduate research at the Broad Institute.

Pforzheimer

Victoria BolañosSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I grew up in El Salvador where talking about mental health is not as taboo as it is here. I met people that dealt with mental health issues and/or attended psychologists. It was more normal to talk about these issues. When I came here, freshman year was very tough and overwhelming. However, thanks to my background, I was able to seek help. I joined SMHL because I wish to help desigmatize mental health issues here on campus. I wish to be able to let people know that it is ok not to be ok and that seeking help when needed is actually something brave and admirable. I wish to be able to support people who are struggling here.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Member of Yearbook, HACIA democracy, and YALDA (Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa).

One fun fact about yourself? I have lived in 7 different countries.

Rachel ChapmanSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? I joined smhl because I grew up without discussion of mental health and want to ensure that other Harvard students have the knowledge that I did not have. I have also struggled with depression and body dysmorphia throughout my life.

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL at the end of my freshman year in 2017. I joined SMHL because I have struggled with anxiety. The isolation I felt is something I know a group like SMHL can prevent.

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because I wanted to increase mental health awareness on campus and fight against the stigma associated with mental illness. Especially at Harvard, I wanted to help promote a culture where it is okay to not always be okay and organize events that would allow students to become more aware of Harvard's mental health resources. I stayed with SMHL because I loved the supportive community and the impact that we make!

One fun fact about yourself? My parents wanted to add an exclamation point to my last name (Woo!), but unfortunately it wasn't socially acceptable.

Quincy

Sara ValenteSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because, after dealing with mental health struggles of my own, I recognize how alienated and alone mental illness can make one feel. I want to help destigmatize mental health issues on campus and make sure everyone knows that resources are available, abundant, and commonly used.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Outside of SMHL, I'm involved with the Harvard Computer Society and am on the Harvard Datamatch Team.

One fun fact about yourself? I can solve a Rubik's cube in 30 seconds.

Winthrop

Elise AlexanderSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because I've seen mental illness affect close friends and family members. I care deeply that people around me are aware of the resources that are out there, and I want to break down the stigma that prevents people from using those resources.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Outside of SMHL, I sing in the Radcliffe Choral Society and lead for FOP and the Harvard Outing Club.

One fun fact about yourself? I love to hike and backpack!

Alice ChengSMHL Member Since 2017

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL at the end of freshman year because I have seen friends and family struggle through mental health issues, and I've seen how hard it is to ask for help. SMHL gives me the opportunity to learn about mental health advocacy and be part of the effort to end stigma.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Besides SMHL, I'm part of the Task Force for Asian Pacific American Studies, and I work as a Diversity Peer Educator. I am also involved in the economic policy group at the IOP this semester.

One fun fact about yourself? I was named after a movie about aliens.

Aridenne DewsSMHL Member Since 2015

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL because I think that it's important for students to be educated about mental health and to be familiar with the resources available to them on campus. College is a stressful time for many students, and having support is crucial. I love that SMHL encourages a more compassionate community of students and works to destigmatize the topic of mental health to ensure that all individuals feel comfortable when seeking support.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? Outside of SMHL, I sing in the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College and photograph for the Crimson.

One fun fact about yourself? I've been a vegetarian for 9 years and counting!

Connor HortonSMHL Member Since 2015

Why did you join SMHL? I noticed in freshman year that many of my friends at Harvard didn't know how to look after their mental health--not only for larger issues, but also day-to-day. I decided to join SMHL because I wanted to be part of the process of educating my peers on how to better understand mental health and enjoy a more fulfilling four years at Harvard!

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I'm an enthusiastic member of Harvard Glee Club. This semester I'm also working as an LS1a student facilitator.

One fun fact about yourself? I have a fake tooth.

Michael LiuSMHL Member Since 2015

Why did you join SMHL? I joined SMHL my Freshman Spring (2015) because I want to help build a Harvard community that is unconditionally supportive, free from mental health stigma and open to the acknowledgment of vulnerabilities. In a terribly cutthroat high-school environment, I, and a large number of my close friends, became intimately familiar with the battle against mental illness. At times, Harvard may become such a battleground for many. Fortunately, there are so many different resources and passionate peers at Harvard who work together to ensure that our community is healthy in both body and mind!

One fun fact about yourself? I once had an experiment orbiting around Earth on the International Space Station.

Rohan ShahSMHL Member Since 2015

Why did you join SMHL? I started training to become an SMHL the spring of my freshman year. I joined because a lot of my friends had struggled with mental health and I wanted to help somehow. ECHO (Eating Concerns Hotline and Outreach), HPR (Harvard Political Review), Noteables.

Some extracurriculars you're involved with? I'm a PAF, work as a learning aide for a student with autism, and try my best to have fun weekends.

One fun fact about yourself? I love tea and gin, so one time, I put tea in gin. Nothing has been the same since.

Akash WasilSMHL Member Since 2016

Why did you join SMHL? To learn about the resources and strategies that can improve the lives of Harvard students. With SMHL, I've learned about what options students have-- whether they're diagnosed with depression or they're trying to combat academic perfectionism. Also, for the money. A future in mental health is the easiest way to get rich, right?

One fun fact about yourself? I became the official [self-appointed] matchmaker of a 10th grade summer program. I would ask people who their "dibs" (crushes) were, and I would reveal mutual dibs. Basically, I was Tinder before it was cool.